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“We recognised him as a practical visionary – the personification of Oxfam – with the ability to reach for the huge changes needed to tackle issues of global poverty, while ensuring effective, practical solutions. We are excited that he is joining.”

The charity, which was founded in 1942 following a meeting in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin to help starving children in Greece, celebrated its 70th birthday last year.

Dame Barbara, who joined Oxfam from the NHS, announced she would be stepping down in September because she felt she had been at the charity long enough.